Cultivating Community
Through Seeds
Seeds should not be preserved in vaults alone — they should grow, be shared, and thrive in the hands of everyday people. That’s the vision behind our Seed Guardians network. This is a decentralised conservation network of growers who receive rare seed varieties from our bank, grow them out with care, and return a portion for preservation. It’s an act of biodiversity stewardship, but also of cultural revival. We train and support Seed Guardians across Ireland, building skills and confidence in seed saving, growing, and crop isolation. It’s not just about what you grow — it’s about how you grow, and why.
How It Works
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Sharing Rare Varieties
Each season, we send selected rare seed varieties to Seed Guardians for cultivation and preservation.
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Following Saving Protocols
Guardians carefully follow seed saving protocols, tailored to each specific crop’s unique requirements.
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Returning Fresh Seed
At season’s end, Guardians return viable, healthy seed to our bank for ongoing conservation.
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Recording Growing Stories
Guardians contribute notes, stories, and field observations, enriching knowledge and preserving cultural memory.
Why It Works
Guardians Of
Biodiversity
Becoming a Seed Guardian is simple yet meaningful. It begins with curiosity, care, and a little garden space. From there, you learn the art of saving and sharing seeds, protecting biodiversity, and joining a nationwide network dedicated to preserving Ireland’s living food heritage for generations to come.
This is conservation in action. From soil to seed, from hand to hand.